Paint it Red

happy dog

2011-09-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

when it feels like life is giving me lemons i look at something i painted that makes me smile

What to do when you are an artist

2011-09-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

The summer has been so hot that painting in my studio has been something i have not done with a new knee to climb up stairs and sit for long periods of time... I have alot of work up in N.C. and those shows come down in about 6 weeks. Artists are looking for places to exhibit since galleries have closed their doors and art fairs have been cancelled. I remarked to someone recently

that it was not a good time to be an artist and he replied..."it is a good time to be an artist but not a good

time to sell your art." so it goes. Artists are part of the unemployed as paintings hang on walls hoping for a buyer to take them home. Sometimes we are asked to lower our prices and give the best "upfront" price.

At first I am not offended by this request since times are hard...but often i do not think folks understand

what goes into making something...from conception of the idea to the finished product. But if you are a creative person you must create and go forward until you no longer want to or can ...

Meanwhile the green parrots are flying and the sky is blue and that is all good.

New Paintings

2010-08-26T18:00:00.000-07:00

Emma's Table

limes Shady Lane

The Black Bird

New Paintings

2010-08-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Posting new paintings for the week

Mother and Daughter Wading

Little Blue Bird

Little Church in New Mexico

Bahama Mamas with Lama

Why I Paint

2010-08-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

I am back home to my painting studio and cranked up the ac this afternoon... oh so humid and hot but what a joy to get back to painting. I have unpacked my brushes and eager to finish up paintings from art camp at Nimrod Hall in Millboro Springs this summer. I have lots of work to finish, but it does not matter since I paint for the sheer joy of the process. Look for new work posted here and on my website.

Cupcake Fever At Framer's Market and Gallery

2010-08-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Oh how I Love this painting!!! The Hats are made of paper and fabric
Do you remember Bob Dylan's song about the Lepoard Skin Pill Box Hat
well if you do, here it is...and who does not want a cupcake.

Personally, I am a fan of the cupcake in a major way.

Paintings for Sale At Framer's Market and Gallery in Chapel Hill

2010-08-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Although we are now back in St Petersburg until next summer,
some of my paintings are on display and available for purchase in Chapel Hill at Framer's Market and Gallery in Rams Plaza.
When I first started painting in 1999 Mary Anne's was one of the first places I ever showed my art. So stop by and see the exhibit and find a piece of art that says "take me home."

Mad Hatter Show is up

2010-05-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

After almost 4 hours of hanging all the paintings...the show at the Mad Hatter Cafe and Bake Shop is up and looking good!

Old Photos

2010-04-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

look at me in my youth...who knew i would be an artist type??

ONE-SIDED LOVE

2010-04-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

ACRYLIC ON CANVAS FRAMED IN A BLACK FRAME
SEE AT SOUTHERN VILLAGE ARTS FAIR MAY 1, 2010

Paintings this Week

2010-03-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

More paintings for the week, with the Blues All Around Painting being the last one i have worked on. I created an abstract background for the singers. The Beach House would not be complete without a dog sleeping on the old green chair.

Paintings this week

2010-03-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

This week I have painted on the porch, with the sun to my back. Inspired by all the dogs in the neighborhood and around cresent lake, these paintings have lots of dogs plus i added one cow under the moon light and stars.

Marvelous Minis

2010-03-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

More minis this week for the art fair next weekend in Historic Kenwood

Red Flowers

2010-02-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Small Painting of Red Flowers on a Table

Rosie

2010-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

So I am out on the porch painting (since we finally have a day above 50)...and i am doing a commission for a customer of a dog to match Ralph Dreams of Dog Bones. I was getting frustrated with the dog and felt like "I am not sure this is the dog i want to paint...she is just too plain." About that time a whole flock of birds flew overhead and one flew into the painting landing right on the dog's nose. I decided to call her Rosie...(goes with Ralph) and now they are a lovely couple and will hang in Julie's new baby's nursery when he or she arrives in April.

What is Painting and Why do you do it?

2009-12-22T05:37:00.000-08:00

Every work of art is a communication, and can be viewed in the same way as music, It is composed, full of notes that express the whole, tied together with color and shapes, like instruments playing, creating wonderful sounds. Painting to music is what often inspires me. I often choose classical, or latin music like tango music to express the mood of the work.
Recently i was asked by a potential client "how long does it take you to paint a piece? associating time with the price of the painting...A painter is not a plummer who is paid an hourly wage. Time spent is not the issue when you are looking at art ...but about the essence of the painting and how it touches you. Painters paint because they must. Here's to happy painting in 2010 when i return to wonderful San Miguel de Allende to capture the city's vibrant colors and culture.

The House on Pleasant Green Road

2009-12-13T14:45:00.001-08:00

This is a house...not real but it could be, with one of my favorite subjects, clothes on the line. When I grew up in Rome, Georgia, there were of course no dryers, just the wringer washing machines and I remember both my Grandmother and Mother hanging the clothes out to dry.

The House on Pleasant

2009-12-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

Florida Plant

2009-12-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is a plant that grows down her in Florida that I love. I cut off pieces of the plant and stick them in water, they sprout and then go into the ground, they are a climber and like to cling onto anything available.

More Small Paintings

2009-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

End of 2009 Paintings

2009-12-13T13:37:00.000-08:00

Painting has taken a back seat lately to the kitchen makeover so the past few days I have been working on small paintings for my website and a few more. The music I have been painting to is an cd I just found...oldies from living in Durham in the 1980's by a singer I heard at the Arts Center in Carrboro named Nanci Griffith, the album is Little Love Affairs' and she has one song I love called "Love Wore a Halo" If you have not heard her she is worth a listen...she is not touring in the usa anymore.
In some of these new works, I have used mixed media to create textures ie gels, including glass beads and the wonderful things Golden makes to add to your paintings. I also used paper to create some different surfaces...hope you enjoy, they can all be purchased by calling me or emailing me.

Paintings this week

2009-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

It is cool and rainy today and a good time to paint. Here are 4 small ones i have finished this week. The Primative one of the animal was inspired by the trip to the canyons outside Santa Fe where small animals and symbols were scratched into the canyon walls. The Spring painting was one inspired by the soft colors of spring. The Hearts are for the inspirations we need daily and the the teapot is a Paul Klee like pot with my touches added

Santa Fe

2009-10-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a trip to Santa Fe. We took two wonderful hikes in the canyons where the blue skies were as far and the eyes could see. I understand Georgia O'Keefe's love affair with the New Mexico culture and how it inspired her work. Canyon Road was an artist's heaven, so many great artists that it would take weeks to see them all.
This week when i return to my easel, I am sure my work will reflect my visit to this great place.

Cupcakes have homes

2009-10-13T17:49:00.000-07:00

Cindy has adopted Cherry on Top and
Sprinkes for her kitchen in Virgina Beach.

new paintings

2009-10-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

This week i worked on paintings for my ART BITES series of small paintings for small spaces...the little space where you would like a piece of art to go for an affordable price. These are original paintings, not made by a computer but with my brush and paint...The good news is that the weather has cooled off and now i can be in my studio without the AC going full blast. The joy of the cool air is wonderful indeed.

Meeting on Dog Beach

2009-09-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Another small painting on one of my favorite subjects, dogs and the beach. Perfect size for a small area.

Kiss Me Cupcake

2009-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

When in NYC I found the bakery HELLO CUPCAKE. Who cannot love the cupcake, small but so good. I put lots of texture on this small canvas.

Red Vase

2009-09-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

this painting is one i started today first by drawing shapes until the painting of these flowers came through. There are so many flowers blooming everywhere I look, i am often stopping on my walks to find something new each day.

Bobob Trees with Black Birds

2009-09-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Baobobs Trees

2009-09-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Once i put down background colors i drew on the canvas with vine charcol and began the painting. These trees look like small bunches of clouds with the blue sky creating contrast. I am working on positive and negative space adding patches of color in the foreground and background to create interest and pattern. A hit of red, orange and yellow warm up the painting.

New Painting on Easel

2009-09-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

This week i began a new painting, first i have chosen paints to do the underpainting on this abandoned canvas that has burlap glued to it for texture.
In the photos you will see what the underpainting looks like before i start the composition and begin to work on the painting of Baobobs trees that i saw in photos from Madagascar.

Works on Paper

2009-09-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

All these works were painted on pastel paper with acrylics.
The first is "A Trail of Broken Hearts" .
9 x 12 unframed or framed $175 unframed $ 250 framed

Flowers in Blue Vase

2009-09-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

This Painting is full of wonderful flowers ready for the dinner table.

16 x 20 framed $300

Red Sky at Night

2009-09-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Here we have a village close to the sea and i am remembering how Red Sky at Night is a Sailor's Delight.

9x 12 unframed $175.00 matted and framed $250.00

Summer Flowers

2009-09-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

This is a small painting of flowers, one of the things I love most in my yard.
on canvas 5 x 7 $65.00

Blue Sky Lane

2009-09-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

In my travels I write down different roads and lanes i come across. This one was called Blue Sky Lane so here it is.
on canvas 4 x 5 $55.00

Cafe Table for Two

2009-09-06T05:09:00.000-07:00

This small painting started with lots of texture made from mixing mediums into the paint. It is a table ready for two.
on canvas 5x7 $75.00

Dog Beach

2009-09-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dog Beach is the best place for dogs. They can swim and fetch and play all day. Savannah, my golden, loves the water and will play fetch until she drops. She is the dog on the blanket, resting after a full day of swimming. This painting is Sold SOLDSOLD

Twodog Night

2009-09-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dogs like people enjoy fine dining. I think this couple have gone to NYC (where I just visited) and perhaps are dining in Little Italy.
on canvas $75.00

SunRoof Dog

2009-09-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I was driving along and saw a dog with its head out the sun roof ...I returned to my studio and this is what resulted.
on canvas $65.00

Paintings Adopted this Summer

2009-08-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Last week i arrived back in St Petersburg after 3 months in Chapel Hill visiting family and friends and exhibiting my work at the Mad Hatter Bake Shop and Cafe in Durham and Margaret's Cantina in Chapel Hill. This summer i was happy to meet new people who called or emailed about a painting they wanted to purchase for their home.
Lee Anne bought the Flowers of Casa Carmen to add to her now 3 Vandermeers, Patty at a newly opened store in Atlantic Beach called Edgewater Linens, bought dogs and costal paintings for her store. When Three becomes Four "spoke" to Marcia who gave it a home, The Road Home got a home with Tanja, Karen from Houston bought the cupcakes for a friend's kitchen , Ginger who collects folks art and lives in Greensboro took five paintings to add to her collection, Caroline gave Kitchen Kat a new place to hang,and Margaret fell in love with The CowDogs on the Range for a wedding present and The French Hen. Hannah and Brad out in Washington State are the proud owners of Sunset Bay. Waiting for a New Hairdo I donated to Ovarian Cancer Society for their fall fundraiser. So to all of you who supported my work by buying and those who came to look but decided the economy was too bad to buy, i thank you and appreciate the things you tell me about my work. Despite it all, i will keep painting and keep showing my work for others to enjoy.

2009-07-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Latest Paintings from Chapel Hill

2009-07-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

-The last week i have been busy meeting folks i have only emailed over the
last year, one a collector of folk art and an artist friend on Tarheel Gallery,
an online gallery of NC artists. Check out the artists in this great gallery and enjoy their diverse work. Some of my paintings have been adopted out this year to happy homes and of course there are many more in the "Painting Shelter".Here are a couple that I finished last week. "Carrboro Market Flowers" and "Coastal View". Mark has adopted Coastal View for his very hip apartment in Southern Village and the Flowers painting has gone to the Margaret Cantina Show that ends August 1. This summer has been busy and soon we will return to the Tampa Bay area and our little bungalow in St Pete.

More Animals

2009-06-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

These are the last two animal paintings I have finished and they are hanging at
Margaret's Cantina for the summer show. These paintings are on board and are around 30 x 30. I think they are very fun and hope you enjoy them.

Finished Paintings for Bistro

2009-06-05T13:03:00.000-07:00

These are the paintings that are finished and have arrived at the Bistro.

Bistro paintings

2009-05-29T09:17:00.001-07:00

so here is what i have been doing the last two weeks to get these finished and ready for the Bistro. Each painting has a different scene with animals and people.
it is suggested they be hung in the order written on the back of each one with the painting with the lake scene with the dogs last. let me know what you think since i am near completion. I have to paint around the edges and varnish for the final steps.

and the commission continues

2009-05-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

this week i have worked on the commission, changing the sky to blue, per request, with the Van Gough swirls of starry night and adding the details to the painting. The paintings are from my head and as i go i make up all the compostions...sharon asked for a picnic scene and another committee member asked for some people to wander into the painting...so all of this is coming together. I have been forced to work in the rental apartment ....much smaller space than i am used to but so far i think i am, ever though working at a disadvantage, pulling it off...will see. When you do a commission, the final judges are your customers. You have to be clear about what you can and cannot do...rabbits out of a hat ...maybe but not always.
Images will be posted later...adding Winston, the office mascot is next. He is a bulldog...Georgia Bulldog of course...and seems to really mean business when he poses in his doggie wide stance, muscle and sleekness. Of course i am sure he is mush inside.

Bistro

2009-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Here i have begun to add details for all the paintings. Sharon wants a picnic scene and you will see the blanket and basket and the beginning of this composition.
Let me know how this is looking...i am adding details as i go and as they come to me.

Paintings for Bistro

2009-05-11T16:39:00.000-07:00

This will give you a view of all three paintings as i am working on them.

The Process

2009-04-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

so the canvases arrived and all the paints from Jerrys Artarama. Today i worked on getting all the colors in the painting and dividing the canvas with colors that complement each other. The sky is a combination of pale blues and violets with a Starry Starry Night Swirls like in Van Gough Village at Cow Pasture, everyone's favorite when they were chosing what kind of painting they wanted for the Bistro. Feed back is next and then i start putting in more of the details as they come to me.

bistro

2009-04-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Today i began the paintings for the Atlanta Bistro ...this is the pallett i am working from

On the Road Again

2009-04-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

This week i load up the old green van and head back to North Carolina arriving in time to hang the new show at The Mad Hatter BakeShop and Cafe. Last year the Hatter changed ownership but did not change the appreciation of art. I have been lucky to have the summer show for the last 4 years, and it is a great venue for my work.
The combination of good food and good art is rare i must say. You can eat cake and travel around the globe with me viewing the work from my travels to South America and San Miguel Mexico, an artist haven.
The show will run from May 4 until Aug 6 giving plenty of time to ponder and purchase new art. Even if you cannot buy ...looking is free.

City Girl

2009-04-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

I worked on this mixed media painting for a few days until i could say "i think she is done." Once, in my early painting life, i could not tell if a painting was finished or not...but then i learned that once you love every inch of the painting you can take it off the easel. Now, the painting speaks..."leave me alone" and i put my brush down.

Paris Painters

2009-04-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to imagine these three painters having a drink on the Left Bank of Paris . The prince of this Bohemia was Amedeo Modigliani and i have sent Vincent Van Gough and Paul Gaugin to join him.

The Low Country

2009-04-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

This painting is a commission i did for my friends Janie and Chogie. We went to high school together in Ky and Janie and I went to Nursing School, graduating with enough learning to make us dangerous. At the time, every disease we studied we developed.
Since 1967 we have only seen each other a few times. Two years ago Chogie contacted me and flew me to St Louis to attend Janie's 60th birthday party. Since then we have maintained contact and in March they came to St Pete to visit. Janie likes solitude.
This painting reflects her love of nature and quite places to contemplate.
It is of my memories of the Low Country in South Carolina, Beaufort and St Helena's Island. It is on watercolor paper.

New Work and Finishing up all the Paintings

2009-04-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

March has come and gone and this year i have been so inspired to paint. I have made a studio outside on the screened in porch, where i have lots of light and Savannah to keep me company. Finally The Tango Dogs is DONE...this is a large painting that will go to the Mad Hatter Bake Shop and Cafe in Durham, as the Tango theme continues to keep me working. The Tango Band is next to go on the easel for finishing touches. Hope you like these new ones...

ArtSync in now online

2009-03-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Many months ago i was contacted by the Editor of a new Magazine called ArtSync.
It is a great new publication about local artists and art happenings. Lucky for me i was featured in their first issue. You can go online and read the articles or pick one up at the many locations in the great state of North Carolina.
Just go to their website at www.artsync.com and it will give you all the prompts needed. The article on my work is on page 37...well written and features my cats, dogs and cows...

Dogs we love "I Will Ruin Your Life"

2009-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

This dog, like so many, is just one of many we have had. Oh yes, we think we will always find the replacement dog for the perfect one who went to Dog Heaven, but it never happens. No, we get the dog who is so needy that she must touch us at every waking moment. If she had come with a note saying something like the painting, we would have known that our travels are limited and our days full of nothing but dog talk...has she been out, did she do her business, did she eat all her food, was that her crying out in the night, and look how she sleeps with her head on my shoe...
12 x 12 on gallery wrapped canvas $250

Red High Heels and Purse and Here I Go

2009-03-27T12:10:00.000-07:00

This woman is all dressed up and looks very much like she is intent on escaping everyday life. Leaving behind all the piles of wash and the house to clean she is flying off for the day high above the colorful landscape. I think she has a great book in her red purse and will relax, with no interruptions and read. Maybe some chocolate is in her plans as well. I hope so.
16 x 20 on gallery wrapped canvas with fabric for dress. $450.00

So You're Having a Baby?

2009-03-27T11:58:00.000-07:00

It seems babies are coming fast and furious these days. Across the street, Julia arrived with curly hair like her Dad and next door Oscar followed and looks like his Dad as well. Emma, my great niece will be one year old in May and this week was found eating the dog's food! In May i will get another great niece or nephew and hope to be there for the birth. So all of this baby stuff inspired this painting.
The dog, once the couple's baby, will have to move over for the new one. Watch his dog bowl!

Always Colorful and Sometime Crazy

2009-03-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so my husband dan says i need to slow down with the paintings! I have been on a roll and if you know anything about being creative and the muse being with you, your have to strike while the iron is hot. I called Jane Filer, my friend and teacher for many years at her house at the beach.She is getting ready for her spring show at Tyndall Galleries in Chapel Hill and tells me she has painted 19 new ones, Go Jane.
So we were both feeling happy that we feel like painting and are able to "pull it off". Painting is hard work and it is a profession. In fact one book i was reading says that being a good painter is like being a good musician. "It takes as much practice to learn to paint as it does to learn to play the violin. "
I painted this painting right after "Cupcake Fever." I had learned that a dog named Puck, whose portrait i painted had gone to dog heaven. Using Puck's sweet face i put him (or his likeness) in the new one i call "The Paris Bakery". If you have been to Paris you know how they take their dogs out dining. So i painted the women at the Bakery with their lap dogs ...getting ready to eat some delicious cake.

Cupcake Fever

2009-03-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Let's all celebrate the lovely cupcake. In the painting all eyes are on one that is iced to perfection. This painting is 16 x 20 on gallery wrapped canvas, mixed media: acrylic and fabric for the Leopard skin pillbox hat$450

Harbor Town

2009-03-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

this is a long vertical painting of Harbor Town. The houses are many colors and the people are out and about on a hot summer day

Touching up old work

2009-03-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

I painted the Cat in the window...called "The Many Colored Cat" several years back and due to it's size it had only been out of my studio once. Last year, however, it got to go to the Mad Hatter for the summer show. A woman from NYC called me re Hens in the Kitchen, which she bought and took back with her, but also gave me some feedback on the cat..."it's eyes are not like cat eyes but more like human eyes." So this week i put it back on the easel and i think i was able to improve on it's looks. Anyway, the cat looks happier in this version...and i am happier to reexhibit the painting with an update.

The other painting i re did was a still life of a bowl of fruit which was in the cubist tradition. I liked the painting but decided it was a bit too busy and did not have all the "VanderMeer colors" in it...I like it this way and think a red frame will set it off.

Bald Man with Bird

2009-03-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

This painting was inspired by all the birds in the park in San Miguel. The same people come everyday to feed them.

Trip to the Beach

2009-03-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

This weekend we went to Pass a Grille and enjoyed a day of sunshine and sand. Sailboats were traveling by and inspired this painting. I called it "Sailboats in Sunny Bay"

2009-03-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

"Whitebird Hat" Today the sky is full of birds and they are singing their hearts out... so i was painting this woman and the imagery came into my head and found its way into the painting.

2009-03-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

These are the latest paintings i have completed this week all influenced by my recent travels.

The Houses of San Miguel, The Matador, Whitebird Hat, Sailboats in Sunny Bay

Fish Tacos and more paintings

2009-03-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

In San Miguel lunch is best had at the local fish taco place where the beer is cold and the tacos fresh

town dogs

2009-03-06T05:05:00.000-08:00

In San Miguel, the dogs almost out numbered the humans. Here we have two out on the prowl under the night sky. This painting will be auctioned off for the elementry school in Meadowmont

The Tango Band in San Telmo

2009-03-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

For 4 days i have been working on the Tango Band and dancers in San Telmo a neighborhood in Buenos Aires...Some paintings give me fits and this one is no exception. I love to paint people and here i have the band...am adding the cello player next on the left, and couples dancing.

It is a work in progress and after a few more days it will be done. I have worked with lots of lights and darks in this painting, but mostly i am hoping to create the "feel" of this day...the energy of the Bandoneón players and the joy of the street musicians who play for pesos dropped in a hat.

trip to san miguel

2009-02-27T07:44:00.000-08:00

So here i am in the cafe and saying "ok no more photos"

More Tango Dancers

2009-02-24T16:06:00.000-08:00

In San Telmo, a neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Sunday Market brings out the Tango Bands and the Tango Dancers.

New Paintings from South America and San Miguel

2009-02-24T15:26:00.001-08:00

This is the beginning of the new paintings i have completed in the past week from the images of my trip to South America and San Miguel Mexico. Inspired by the dance of love ...the tango i am painting a series of tango dances and the tango band. The dog in the painting was a Cafe Dog SOLD in the town of Colonia accessible by ferry from Buenos Aries. Dogs seem to take up residence at different cafes and thus belong there. The painting of the morning wash in San Miguel was on the roof top of our hotel. Each morning the women workers would do the wash and climb up a winding spiral staircase to hang the wash out to dry.

painting on the porch

2009-01-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Painting for the Week inspired by trip to South America

2009-01-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

After a 3 week trip to South America and falling in love with Buenos Aires and Colonia, Uruguay ( a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires,) I worked on two paintings: one inspired by being by the sea and on the sea and the first painting of a series of Tango dancers, the Sunday Market in San Telmo and the Tango bands. The Tango painting is a bit difficult for me since it involves figures and creating the feel of the tango. This painting is of two couples outside the Balcony Cafe in the square.
The second painting is what i call a pattern painting where i create patterns with shapes and colors. Here i have worked with my favorite subject of the ocean, the sky, trees and birds.

Painting

2008-12-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

The Finished Painting of Tolstoy and Beckett

2008-12-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

The painting of the Great Black Poodle and the Russian Blue is finished and ready to varnish and ship. Since the owner's have told me i have been able to "capture" them and love the painting, it will go to it's home in Davis, Ca. When doing pets that are so close to peoples' hearts, it is essential that you are able to render the animal like the owners'see it and be able to feel satisfied with the end product. Since i paint out of my head for the most part, trying to paint from a photograph pushes my artistic abilites. Having never taken a drawing class I rely on shapes to make the painting work. Color is so important. I try to let the hues compliment each other in a way that brings the whole painting together. This is a large painting on linen canvas and linen is very lovely to work on.

day 4 pet portraits

2008-11-24T12:33:00.001-08:00

so today it is sunny and i am painting on the screened in porch. I brought Tolstoy and beckett outside with me and i painted to classical music on NPR. I have brought the painting up to the point of adding more detail and getting everything right for the owners. In case you do not know, painting anything black is most difficult since you have to use layers of darks and lights to create contrast. So now i need to work on the curly hair of the poodle and give the cat another look.
Details will go the rug and the painting will be turned upside down to check the composition.

Tolstoy and Beckett on the easel... from Photo to Painting

2008-11-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

The Creation of Pet Paintings

2008-11-20T10:54:00.000-08:00

So today and for the last few days, i have been trying to figure out how to paint two very elegant animals that live in Califorina. Lucky Beckett, a black Standard Poodle and Tolstoy a very wonderful Russian Blue cat with green eyes have had to pose so i can see what they look like.

It is hard to paint from photos, since you cannot know the animal and it is hard to capture them unless you know them personally...i like to meet the animal i am painting but since i do not live in sunny California, i will stay here in Florida and do my best to get it right.

So here they are...

i decided that their color demanded red so i have started with a red chair and some other furnishings on a 24 x 36 canvas... and will see what i come up with...Last night i painted these to to Mozart. Seems fitting for these two.

new works

2008-11-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

So, i have been back in the studio doing some paintings to take to a new chic store called VILLA VILLA here in St Petersburg. Last saturday while combing the antique stores i happened upon this place in what is called the Central area of downtown St Pete. This is an area that is on the way to the beach and several miles from the bay area. So the owner Rhonda has this wonderful place with chairs and sofas covered in linen and great bedding from Belgium and China from Portugal...and a place for children's things...beds and wonderful rocking chairs for moms.

She has paintings on her wall ...seascapes all in plein aire frames, painted by a NC artist.

So today i am taking her some paintings to exhibit in her lovely space in the children's area.

"The Big Red Chair" is a fun one of two dogs...and since we all love the cupcake paintings i did some more of these. Finally i did another painting of some flowers that i call "The Flowers of Casa Carmen"

TIME TO START PAINTING AGAIN

2008-10-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

The weather gave us a short break and i set up my studio on the screened in porch to start painting again. I had several requests for more dogs on the beach paintings so i will start more of those this week.
The rejection email came last week from Temple Beth El Art Show in January. As many of you know i have not found a place for my work down in St Pete and although i know there might be a market for my work, this show did not want to take a chance on my ability to sell at their fund raiser. So, for all of you out there that get discouraged, we cannot let it slow us down for one minute when we are doing something we are passionate about! The creative experience
demands persistence, and persist i must. I am painting for the joy of it, and their opinion of me will not take away my joy...so the birds are singing this morning and the sky is that lovely blue ... paint i must...the spirit comes and goes and the spirit has come.

Back To St Pete

2008-09-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

ok so 2 days on the road and i am back home. the weeds have taken over the yard but it is nice and the humidity and heat are gone for now...what this means is that my studio over the garage will cool off enough for me to paint in without the ac on, and the windows can be up with the nice breeze blowing as i paint to music.
Thanks to everyone who bought my work and who came by my booth at both Arts at the Meadow and Centerfest. While the Meadowmont show had a poor turnout i got to visit with folks who have bought my work and came back for more and added more customers to my list who have now adopted my paintings. Centerfest had lots of great painters and the crowd was large and friendly ...i enjoyed all the students from The Durham School for the Arts who came by to talk about making art. I was encouraged to continue what i do by so many people including two women who teach painting. So i will keep painting even though the economy is limiting what we can buy....of course i will always choose the things that make me happy, and i know of nothing that make me smile more, except chocolate.

why i paint

2008-09-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

this week i got a wonderful note from the new owner of "Harriet's Bluff" one of my favorite painting and a real name of a place that i pass by on my way back and forth to Florida and North Carolina.
The painting is a gift to herself...how often do we allow ourselves to indulge in something that captures our heart? A work of art is something that stands the test of time and unlike a new dress or dessert, it is something to enjoy daily. The letters and notes i receive from people who buy my work let me know that what i do now, as a career in some ways, is what i did in my career in Nursing. I have always felt the human spirit needed nurturing and what better way to nurture that but to create paintings that bring joy. So thanks to all of you who continue to say to me that my work brings smiles to your faces...and often let me know exactly where the painting will hang in it's new home...

new date for arts at the meadow in meadowmont village

2008-09-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

the storms are said to be headed this way so the event scheduled this weekend has been postponed until the next weekend, sept 13 and 14. So, hope the weather will cooperate since i am not keen on being huddled in a tent during a gale force winds and rain...wish for sunny days for Sept 13 and 14 and the following weekend when i will be at Centerfest...

End of August Paintngs

2008-08-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

So here are the last ones i have finished before getting in the car...night paintings again.

The first is Courtly Birds. This painting is different for me. I used Golden liquid paints to create the background using copper and gold. It has a very Queen-King look i think.

The next painting is one i have created for my grandson Eric. He will be 4 very soon and told me this summer, when all my paintings were all over our apartment in Chapel Hill, "Grandma Joan, I love these pictures" ...

Folk Art Cafe

2008-08-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

As many of you know i love folk art and see myself as more a folk artist than a traditional painter. I have done a series of artist cafe scenes where i paint another artist painting into my painting and name it after that artist. All of these paintings have found wonderful homes.

Several years ago i discovered an artist, probably not very well known, and paid the antique store $25.00 for an old tattered book about her. Her name is Theora Hamblett and it is said she painted "with a child’s directness in all their intense color and emotional power." The book contains a wonderful painting of cotton pickers that i painted for this particular painting. I love her bold colors and the subject matter having grown up in the Georgia , I remember this scene as a child. So check out Theora and see what wonderful work she created in her lifetime.

The Road back to Chapel Hill

2008-08-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

"Blue Hen "

It is time to pack up the paints and all the new paintings to return to Chapel Hill . On Sept 4, I will take down the show at the Mad Hatter and get ready to exhibit at the two art fairs coming up in September. If you have not been to Arts at the Meadow it is a great show , lasting two days with music and lots to do for all ages. Each year loads of talented artists converge on the town and we spend frantic mornings setting up for the show and putting up the tents that are not easy to get up despite their name of "ez up" The day begins at 6 am and your booth must be ready for customers by 9 am. Lots of organization is required to make this happen.
The night before we meet to mark off all the spaces and block off the village for the event.
I hope you will take time to come and visit me there and
enjoy the music and work vendors have to show you.

Happy Paintings to Happy Music

2008-08-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

For the past two days i have been working a large painting (30 x 40) to take to Temple Beth El this week for them to review my work for their annual art show in January each year.It is a great show with loads of talent, not only local but from both coasts.

In addition to painting the paintings, i have been busy painting the edges of the canvas and varnishing them to take to the North Carolina for two upcoming shows ; Arts at the Meadow in Meadowmont Village and Center Fest in Durham, both in September and both two day events. My show at the Mad Hatter comes down September 4...and glad to say i have sold 8 paintings there this summer, and have promise of a commission.

So here is where i am with a new one called "Sweet Mountain", It is about 85 percent done

(i think) and so far i am pleased with it. Since i paint out of my head, it takes alot of thinking to compose and imagine these places i paint...but i know they are good, restful places, where one can truly sit and ponder and enjoy life. As usual, music dominates while i paint and it is often Jazz, Latin music, all upbeat to get the colors to dance with one another.

More Flowers and Birds

2008-08-15T05:39:00.000-07:00

It is rainy here in St Petersburg and the flowers are happy with all the moisture and are blooming in many colors...This painting was inspired by the happiness of color covering a landscape somewhere in my mind.

It is 16 x 20 on Gallery Wrap canvas that is very wide and does not need a frame

"Wildflowers Hill"

$400.00

Paintings for this week

2008-08-10T14:43:00.001-07:00

All Dog Band and Singing The Blues

This week Billie Holiday and Tango music played in the studio and so two of the following paintings were inspired by the music playing at night when the temperature slowly cools.

both sold at meadowmont in sept

San Miguel Flowers

2008-08-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

This painting is now "DONE" and i like it and hope you do too.
It is a long narrow painting perfect for a smaller spot
acrylic on canvas 12 x 36 $350.00
SOLD AT CENTERFEST IN SEPT

"Yes I do"

2008-08-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

This Painting is of two Dog Lovers, I think the brown one is saying he loves her and they will now eat the cupcakes and live a wonderful life together
16 x 20 acrylic on canvas framed $450.00

red flowers on table

2008-08-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

this painting is a 5 x 5 on linen canvas $65.00

Blueberries

2008-08-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Blueberries in a Fish Bowl on water color paper framed in black frame $150.00
I have been eating lots of blueberries lately and eating and painting often go together in my studio above the garage. At night the street lamp glows and I have the music on and paint.

Late Night Paintings

2008-07-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

Last night i painted two new ones since i am going out of town without paints

Red Table with Lilies and Italian Village (Italian Village bought by Bonnie)

Red Table is 8 x 8 on Linen Canvas $150.00 plus shipping
Italian Village is 8 x 18 on Canvas $250.00 plus shipping

another little cake

2008-07-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

This tasty cake is on Gallery wrap Linen canvas 5 x 5
$50.00 plus shipping

Flowers from San Miguel

2008-07-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I am going to Mexico this winter and wanted to get a start on painting the bright colors that dominate Mexican culture. This painting screams
"Hang me on your Wall"...especially if you have a space that is lacking in color.

cupcakes

2008-07-24T11:59:00.001-07:00

sold